Fault Lines
Fault Lines is a rich, witty, insightful and dark debut by Emily Itami.
Synopsis: Mizuki is a Japanese housewife. She has a hardworking husband, two adorable children, and a beautiful Tokyo apartment. It’s everything a woman could want, yet sometimes she wonders whether she would rather throw herself off the high-rise balcony than spend another evening not talking to her husband and hanging up laundry.
Then, one rainy night, she meets Kiyoshi, a successful restaurateur. In him, she rediscovers freedom, friendship, and the neon, electric pulse of the city she has always loved. But the further she falls into their relationship, the clearer it becomes that she is living two lives—and in the end, we can choose only one.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
This was my first time reading a book set in modern day Japan, so I was drawn to the rich and atmospheric writing which transported me straight to modern day Tokyo. I found myself fully immersed as I traveled through dazzling Tokyo exploring the culture, seasons, sights, sounds, and food as I read.
Was Mizuki’s character relateable?
"Is it normal to fluctuate so quickly between feeling tender toward your husband and fervently wishing him a violent death?"
Yup! As a mother and wife who did the stay-at-home-mom thing, I was easily able to relate to her. I was really impressed with how Itami was able to fully capture both the joys and frustrations of being both a wife and mother.
Mizuki's witty and introspective take on her life is what makes this novel so wonderfully engaging. Itami has written an intelligent woman who allows you to laugh with her and laugh at her all the while admiring her spirit .
“Parenting is savage – there is no other activity on earth that you could get up to do four times a night for two years straight, and at the end of it be merely in the running for mediocre.”
I want to note that I’m not a fan of books about affairs, but there was just something about Mizuki’s story that captured me.
How was the pace?
This was a character driven story that held a steady pace.
Do you recommend this book?
This was a lovely debut book, and I’m looking forward to Itami’s future publications. If you are looking for a witty, and deep character driven story that will have you laughing out loud I recommend you grab a copy.
Thank you Custom House for this gifted copy.
